The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Asuncion

Christian Riveros and Nelson Haedo Valdez scored in the first half as Paraguay dispatched Venezuela 2-0 to extend its lead in South American qualifying for the World Cup on Tuesday.

Paraguay has 17 points, followed by Brazil and Argentina with 12 each and Uruguay on 11.

Venezuela, loser of a third consecutive qualifier, was eighth in the 10-team standings with 7.

Riveros knocked a center pass into the lower right corner of the net, beyond the reach of Venezuela goalkeeper Renny Vega in the 28th minute.

Off a pass from Roque Santa Cruz, Valdez split Venezuela's porous defense to score into an open net a minute before halftime.

Santa Cruz, back after an ankle injury made him unavailable for last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Argentina, directed Paraguay's powerful offense, while Venezuela - faced with a tough defense - failed to create offensive opportunities at Defensores del Chaco Stadium in the Paraguayan capital.

Venezuela has yet to score in five World Cup qualifiers - all losses - in Asuncion.

Paraguay next plays Colombia on Oct. 11. Venezuela hosts Brazil the same day.

On Wednesday, its Chile vs. Colombia, Uruguay vs. Ecuador, Brazil vs. Bolivia, and Peru vs. Argentina.